Juror’s Dialogue with Erica Fortwengler
The Art League’s April Earth exhibit tasked member artists to present artwork addressing the state of our planet. Considering what’s happening around the globe, Juror Helen Frederick noted that she hoped to see urgent messages in the pieces submitted. She wanted to see reflective images that demonstrated an educated personal point of view, and not just emotional statements about the earth and the environment.

Frederick felt that the photographs were the most successful and striking examples of powerful and urgent messages related to our environment. Frederick was looking for images expressing a combination of reflection, protection, and immediacy. Technical competence was equally important. Pieces needed to have an important, transcendental subject – one that transported the viewer into a different space. Successful works needed to be well crafted and stand on their own.

Impressed with the diversity of work, Frederick selected a show that creates “an engaging conversation on the wall.” Celebratory images and images of beauty are included among the images depicting the decline of our environmental health.

She noted that some pieces looked as if they were titled to fit into the show. These unselected works were not as focused and unique as the ones that truly fit the guidelines for the exhibit.

Frederick gave awards to pieces in each medium. She noted that it was easy to find excellence in each area. Only one sculpture was selected for the show, “Rebirth” by Carlos Beltran Baldiviezo. “None of the other sculptures submitted could measure up to this piece,” she noted. Best in show was awarded to Shanthi Chandrasekar for “Kalam-Shakthi.” “This piece is reflective, symbolic, and quietly captures what’s happening ecologically around the world,” Frederick stated.

Frederick is recognized as a distinguished artist, curator, educator, coordinator of international projects, and as founder of Pyramid Atlantic. As an advocate for and an active participant in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area arts scene, she has served on the directorial boards of alternative art spaces, various local and national boards and national peer-review panels. She has fulfilled speaking engagements around the world, always emphasizing collaboration across disciplines. Throughout her life her passion for diverse cultures and histories has led her to travel to observe the material cultures of many societies, their skills, and ideas and to make connections among disparate cultural traditions.

For a complete list of accepted works click here.Click here to view this exhibit on flickr.